tsunami

/(t)suːˈnɑːmi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: tsunamis

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A very large and destructive wave, generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean, such as an undersea earthquake or volcanic eruption; often a series of waves (a wave train).

Noun

Examples

A tsunami struck Japan recently.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A large and generally unstoppable surge.

Noun

Examples

It seemed that what started out as a handful of isolated cases gradually turned into a tsunami of complaints.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “tsunami” mean?

A very large and destructive wave, generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean, such as an undersea earthquake or volcanic eruption; often a series of waves (a wave train).

Is “tsunami” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.